Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. New Living Translation Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. English Standard Version Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Berean Standard Bible Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. King James Bible Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. New King James Version Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly. New American Standard Bible Foolishness is joy to one who lacks sense, But a person of understanding walks straight. NASB 1995 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight. NASB 1977 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight. Legacy Standard Bible Folly is gladness to him who lacks a heart of wisdom, But a man of discernment walks straight. Amplified Bible Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight]. Christian Standard Bible Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path. Holman Christian Standard Bible Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path. American Standard Version Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going. Contemporary English Version Stupidity brings happiness to senseless fools, but everyone with good sense follows the straight path. English Revised Version Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going. GOD'S WORD® Translation Stupidity is fun to the one without much sense, but a person who has understanding forges straight ahead. Good News Translation Stupid people are happy with their foolishness, but the wise will do what is right. International Standard Version Stupidity is the delight of the senseless, but an understanding man walks uprightly. Majority Standard Bible Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. NET Bible Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has understanding follows an upright course. New Heart English Bible Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. Webster's Bible Translation Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. World English Bible Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFolly is joy to one lacking heart, "" And a man of intelligence directs [his] going. Young's Literal Translation Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth his going. Smith's Literal Translation Folly is joy to him wanting heart: and the man of understanding will make straight to go. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFolly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps. Catholic Public Domain Version Folly is gladness to the foolish. And the prudent man sets his own steps in order. New American Bible Folly is joy to the senseless, but the person of understanding goes the straight way. New Revised Standard Version Folly is a joy to one who has no sense, but a person of understanding walks straight ahead. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA foolish man lacks understanding; but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A foolish man is lacking heart and an understanding man walks justly. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; But a man of discernment walketh straightforwards. Brenton Septuagint Translation The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath…20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. 22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.… Cross References Proverbs 10:23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. Ecclesiastes 10:2-3 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left. / Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. Proverbs 19:3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. Proverbs 21:16 The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ... Ephesians 5:15-17 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Treasury of Scripture Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly. joy Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Proverbs 26:18,19 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, … destitute of wisdom Proverbs 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. a man Proverbs 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Jump to Previous Aright Behaviour Course Delights Destitute Directeth Discernment Folly Foolish Good Heart Intelligence Joy Judgment Keeps Lacketh Maketh Sense Straight Understanding Unwise Uprightly Void Walketh Way WisdomJump to Next Aright Behaviour Course Delights Destitute Directeth Discernment Folly Foolish Good Heart Intelligence Joy Judgment Keeps Lacketh Maketh Sense Straight Understanding Unwise Uprightly Void Walketh Way WisdomProverbs 15 1. A gentle answer turns away wrathFolly is joy to one who lacks judgment This phrase highlights the contrast between foolishness and wisdom. In biblical terms, folly is often associated with moral and spiritual deficiency. The Hebrew word for "folly" can imply a lack of moral insight or discernment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued, and the lack of it was seen as a significant flaw. The joy found in folly suggests a temporary and misguided pleasure, similar to the fleeting satisfaction of sin described in Hebrews 11:25. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true joy and fulfillment come from living in accordance with God's wisdom and commandments. but a man of understanding walks a straight path Persons / Places / Events 1. The FoolIn the context of Proverbs, the fool is someone who lacks wisdom and discernment, often making choices that lead to negative consequences. 2. The Wise Man This person is characterized by understanding and discernment, choosing a path that aligns with God's wisdom. 3. The Path Symbolically represents the journey of life and the choices one makes, either towards folly or wisdom. Teaching Points Understanding the Nature of FollyFolly is not just ignorance but a willful rejection of wisdom. It is crucial to recognize the joy that fools find in their folly as a warning sign of spiritual immaturity. The Value of Discernment A man of understanding is marked by his ability to discern right from wrong. This discernment is cultivated through a relationship with God and a commitment to His Word. Walking the Straight Path The straight path symbolizes a life aligned with God's will. It requires intentionality and a commitment to living according to biblical principles. The Consequences of Choices Every choice leads us closer to wisdom or folly. Understanding the long-term impact of our decisions is essential for spiritual growth. Seeking Wisdom from God True wisdom comes from God. Believers are encouraged to seek His guidance in all aspects of life, trusting that He will lead them on the right path.(21) Folly.--Shown in wasted opportunities, and the commission of evil (Proverbs 10:23), while the "man of understanding" directs his way in accordance with the will of God.Verse 21. - Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom; literally, void of heart; i.e. of understanding (Proverbs 10:23). The perverse, self-willed fool finds pleasure in going on his evil way, and exposing the fatuity which he takes for wisdom. Septuagint, "The ways of the senseless are wanting in intelligence." A man of understanding walketh uprightly; goes the right way. It is implied that the fool goes the wrong way. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Follyאִ֭וֶּלֶת (’iw·we·leṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 200: Silliness is joy שִׂמְחָ֣ה (śim·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee to one who lacks לַחֲסַר־ (la·ḥă·sar-) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of judgment, לֵ֑ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre but a man וְאִ֥ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of understanding תְּ֝בוּנָ֗ה (tə·ḇū·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice walks לָֽכֶת׃ (lā·ḵeṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk a straight path. יְיַשֶׁר־ (yə·yaš·šer-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous Links Proverbs 15:21 NIVProverbs 15:21 NLT Proverbs 15:21 ESV Proverbs 15:21 NASB Proverbs 15:21 KJV Proverbs 15:21 BibleApps.com Proverbs 15:21 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 15:21 Chinese Bible Proverbs 15:21 French Bible Proverbs 15:21 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who (Prov. Pro Pr) |
    |